Drink a beer brewed ten yards away

They say that if you want something done right, do it yourself, which just goes to show how badly "they" are overestimating your desire to have something done right. Actually DIY'ing to serve you: The Bull.

Now open in Highgate, Bull's an ancient bi-level building re-decked with upscale wooden pub furnishings, walls dominated by vintage brewery ads, and two bars serving up dozens of exotic bottles and 16 taps, as well as a pair they make on site -- a move inspired by the burgeoning American craft scene, which apparently isn't all about prairie quilts. The homegrowns count a perennial-best bitter (labeled Beer Street after a painting by Hogarth, who apparently frequented an establishment in this space) and a rotating second slot kicking off with an American pale ale made from California hops, and moving on this Halloween to a spiced pumpkin beer served in a hollowed-out gourd fitted with a tap, making it a truly smashing pumpkin. Other draughts include award-winners Jaipur IPA, Redemption Trinity, and Vital Spark from Scotland's Uncommonly Fine Ales; a slew of bottles (including Deus' "Champagne beer", brewed & matured in the bubbly region for nine months); and even cans from the Maui Brewing Co., including Coconut Porter, which oddly will expect you to carry it.

The suds even make a showing in the edibles (beer-battered cod on brioche, beer-braised beef w/ grilled plums & pickled 'shrooms, a cider-glazed apple tart...), with all bites paired with a recommended bev, making sure the only thing you'll have to do right is put it in your belly.